Committee Chair: James Jackson
Committee Members: Megan Cunningham, Rekha Gopalakrishnan, Katie Hebert, Karen Ishee, Asa Johnson, Alic’a Oliver

What is the mission and purpose of your committee?

Our mission and purpose is to continue to raise awareness and promote a more equitable, diverse and inclusive campus culture by celebrating, educating and respecting our differences within the entire community of the University of North Texas, which will enhance both professional and personal growth.

Highlight the most impactful project your committee has completed this year.

Within the last year, we worked with hosting Shani Barrax Moore, formerly the Director of Diversity & Inclusion, to present on the staff data from the 2018 Campus Climate Inclusion Survey. We also lead a directive on pronouns – why they’re important and where you can display them. One of the first projects we worked on was creating a list of DEI focused resources on the committee’s page on the Staff Senate website.

What additional project, goals, or priorities does your committee have on the agenda for the rest of the academic year?

Currently, we’re working with the Office of Disability Access to provide tours of the campus for blind and visually impaired students. We’re also working on an AHA dedicated to employees to discuss accommodations for students and others as well as some new ideas like trash cans in restrooms with urinals, creating a guide on religious inclusivity, and adding more DEI focused books to the Staff Success Library.

What is the most rewarding part of serving on the committee?

The most rewarding part is being able to partner with units and committees on campus who may need supporting in creating a more equitable and inclusive campus. It’s an honor to represent Staff Senate as staff members who are deeply invested and interested in DEI at UNT.

If a constituent wants to suggest a project, who could they contact?

They may contact Megan.Cunningham@unt.edu or James.Jackson@unt.edu, chair of the committee.

How can someone from the UNT community get involved in your committee?

They can get involved by contacting the above senators! We are especially going to be looking for volunteers for the project we’re working on with the Office of Disability Access once it’s undergone some more development.